Cross-Country Ski Along the Base of the Tetons

Jenny Lake Road may be closed to motorized traffic in the winter months, but it is open and maintained for XC skiers and foot traffic.

Rent a Snowmobile

Whether you want to join a tour to access the closed roads leading into the heart of Yellowstone National Park, or play around in the endless hills and snow drifts around Jackson and the Tetons, there are plenty of options for renting snowmobiles in the area. (Alternatively, you could take a snow coach to enter Yellowstone in the winter.)

Scout for Wildlife

You can see animals year-round in this area, but the stark contrast between the snow and the dark fur of the bison, elk and moose makes them easier to spot in the winter months. If you want a guaranteed animal sighting, take a sleigh ride among the elk herds at the National Elk Refuge.

Warm Up at Granite Hot Springs

Accessible in the winter by dog sled, snowmobile or cross-country skis, Granite Hot Springs pool is the perfect way to warm up during a cold day playing in the snow.

Drive Through Grand Teton National Park

If you’re not feeling up to braving the cold, go on an afternoon drive to Moran and back and enjoy breathtaking views of the mountains the entire way from the comfort and warmth of the car.

Get Cozy in a Cabin

Nothing completes a day in the cold like nestling by a fire in a cozy cabin with a hot drink in hand. Ditch the technology for a while and curl up with a good book or play a game with family and friends!

Pull Up a Saddle at the Cowboy Bar

Practice your line-dancing or warm up with a drink at the end of the day at this iconic bar in city center. Being a tourist destination, Jackson has made a point of maintaining its "old west" vibe. Take a stroll around downtown, get some "historic" photos taken, or check out the numerous galleries with beautiful art depicting landscapes and wildlife of the west. Around the holidays they even set up a small ice rink in the town square.

Ski or Snowshoe in Yellowstone National Park

While the southern entrance to the park is closed to vehicles in winter, it is still accessible to visitors by cross-country skis or snowshoes. There are even some swimmable hot springs (sections of river) you can go to!

Rent a Bike

Even during winter in the mountains, snow isn’t guaranteed. On those unseasonably warm days or shoulder seasons, there are a few options in town for renting bikes (with or without snow tires), and there are plenty of bike trails around Jackson and in the national parks.

Hit the Slopes

Let’s be honest, this is the main draw for most people visiting Jackson in the winter. While most visitors head to the renowned slopes of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, other nearby options include Snow King Mountain and Grand Targhee Resort. For those with a bit more experience and avalanche training, there are also plenty of opportunities for backcountry skiing.

Apres Ski!

Catch a show at the Pink Garter Theatre, a Moose Hockey game, or dinner and drinks at one of the many bars and restaurants around town. (My go-to places are Snake River Brewing, Lotus Cafe and breakfast at The Bunnery.)

Go Fly Fishing

Standing in a freezing river in winter may not be for everyone, but there are plenty of opportunities in the area for anglers to get out year-round if they are willing to ignore the cold!

Have a Classic Snow Day

Sledding, snowball fights, building snowmen, making snow angels: There are plenty of gear-free ways to play in the endless stretches of powder by pulling off pretty much anywhere in the mountains.

Go to Bridger-Teton National Forest

This beautiful section of mountains lies just to the east of Grand Teton National Park and is a mecca in the winter for snowmobilers and backcountry skiers.